Cycle routes

The Cycle West area has a wide variety of cycle routes, from relaxing weekend rides to more challenging routes.  Information about getting to the routes by public transport can usually be found under 'Further information'. Alternatively visit http://www.traveline.org.uk/index.htm

Find out about:

Family and leisure cycle routes  |  Mountain biking routes  |  Adult road cycle routes
|  Report a problem on a cycle path/route

Family and leisure cycle routes

Most of the routes on the following paths are on traffic free paths or on quieter roads where you will be able to cycle in a safer and more tranquil environment.  

Bristol to Bath Railway Path
Route: Bristol to Bath
Length: 13 miles
Type: Disused railway line (traffic-free)
Access: Numerous along route (see map)
Refreshments: Pubs along the way, cafés at Staple Hill and Bitton
Links: Avon Cycleway, River Avon Trail,

The Railway Path begins in central Bristol and travels through Mangotsfield, Warmley and Bitton before passing through Saltford to the outskirts of Bath.

There are a number of places to join if depending on how far you would like to cycle.

Find out more:http://www.bristolbathrailwaypath.org.uk/home.shtml   

Colliers Way
Route: Dundas Aqueduct, Radstock and Frome
Length: 17 miles
Type: Disused railway (traffic-free) and minor roads
Access: Numerous places to join (see map)
Refreshments: Visitor centre with refreshments at Dundas Aqueduct and pubs along route
Links: NCN route 26

There are a number of places to join if depending on how far you would like to cycle.

Find out more:http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1100101537296

Kennet and Avon Canal Path
Route: Bath to Reading
Length: 84 miles ( Bath to Devizes 22 miles)
Type: Canal towpath and quiet rural roads
Links: Bristol to Bath railway path and Severn & Thames Cycle Route between Gloucester and Reading.

The historic canal links the Thames and the Bristol Channel, weaving through spectacular scenery between Reading and Bath. Cycling is permitted along the length of the canal, except for a short section near Froudes Bridge and Woolhampton

Find out more: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1134556159421

Norton Radstock Greenway
Route: Radstock to Midsomer Norton
Length: 2 miles
Type: Disused railway (traffic-free)
Access: There are a number of places to join (see map)
Refreshments: Radco supermarket and Tea and Trade cafe
Links: Colliers Way

Ride to the North Somerset Coast (National Cycle Network Route 41)
Route: Bristol to Portishead
Length: 11.5 miles (5.5 miles to Ham Green)
Type: A mix of traffic-free routes, purpose-built cycleways and quiet roads; some hills
Access: Various access points between Pill and Portishead
Refreshments: Available in both Portishead and Bristol at each end of the path
Links: Avon Cycleway (Regional Route 10)

Find out more:http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1133262525546

River Avon Trail
Route: Pill to Hanham
Length: 12 miles (or 7 or 5 miles)
Type: Canal towpath and quiet rural roads
Access: There are numerous places to get onto the Trail including Pill Harbour, Princes Wharf, Castle Park, Conham and Hanham Weir.
Refreshments: Pubs at Hanham Weir
Links: Bristol and Bath Railway path

There is a choice of a 7 mile trip between Bristol and Pill Harbour or a 5 miles trip from Bristol to Hanham Weir.

Find out more: http://www.riveravontrail.org.uk/

Strawberry Line (National Cycle Network Route 26)
Route: Yatton to Cheddar
Length: 8 miles
Type: Disused railway line (traffic-free)
Access:Various access points along route
Refreshments: Pubs, cafes and Thatchers Cider Shop
Links: Avon Cycleway (Regional Route 10)

Find out more: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/webfiles/leaflets/Strawberry%20Line%20leaflet.pdf

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Mountain biking routes

The Avon Timberland Trail  

Where: Ashton Court Estate, Bristol 

The yellow trail in Ashton Court is a great place for youngsters or inexperienced riders to have a go on the rough tracks because the route is not too technical  More adventurous mountain bikers can follow the pink trail in 50-Acre Wood to test out their skills in more rugged terrain.  

Find out more: www.ForestofAvon.org.uk 

The Mendip Hills (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)

Where: Black Down, near Burrington Combe, North Somerset 

Miles of trails to cater for various level of experience from novices to expert mountain bikers. 

Find out more: http://www.activemendip.co.uk/  

These routes involve longer distances and involve more on-road routes than the leisure rides. The routes may involve some cycling on busier roads.

The West of England is an ideal location to cycle around or start your journey from. For longer trips, you can easily access Gloucester to the north, Wiltshire, Reading to the east, Somerset to the south, and South Wales to the west.

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Adult road cycle routes

Avon Cycleway (Regional route 10)
Route: Around Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire
Length: 85 mile circuit made of 13 shorter linking routes.
Type: It largely follows narrow and quiet country lanes
Links: With National Cycle Routes 3 & 4, and Bristol to Bath railway path.

A signposted route which takes in many picturesque villages, numerous historic landmarks and a variety of landscapes. The 13 linking routes allow loop routes of 30-50 miles to be selected using Bristol or Bath as a base.
Find out more at: Order a leaflet from your local council

Kennet and Avon Canal Path
Route: Bath to Reading
Length: 84 miles
Type: Canal towpath and quiet rural roads
Links: Bristol to Bath railway path and Severn & Thames Cycle Route between Gloucester and Reading.

Find out more at: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1134556159421

The historic canal links the Thames and the Bristol Channel, weaving through spectacular scenery on its way between Reading and Bath. Cycling is permitted throughout the length of the canal, except for a short section near Froudes Bridge and Woolhampton

Picturesque Bike Rides-Castle Combe
Route: Circular route starting from near Westerleigh via Dodington, Acton Turville Castle Combe and Pucklechurch
Length: 30 miles
Type: Some on main roads but majority on quiet country lanes
Links: Bristol to Bath Railway path

Picturesque Bike Rides-Pilning & Severn Beach
Route: Circular route starting from Olveston via Severn Beach and Pilning
Length: 12 miles
Type: Some on main roads but majority on quiet country lanes
Links: Avon Cycleway, Severn Vale route at Olveston

Picturesque Bike Rides-Severnvale
Route: Circular route starting from Winterbourne via Tytherington, Oldbury on Severn and Almondsbury
Length: 27 miles
Type: Some on main road but majority on quiet country lanes
Links: Pilning & Severn Beach route at Olveston, Avon Cycleway

Picturesque Bike Rides-Wotton-under-Edge
Route: Circular route starting from Iron Acton via Hillesley, Wotton-under-Edge and Rangeworthy
Length: 25 miles
Type: Some on main road but majority on quiet country lanes
Links: Avon Cycleway

Find out more about the Picturesque Bike Rides: www.southglos.gov.uk/cycling
 

Fancy going further afield?

National Cycle Route Networks
The National Cycle Route Network routes 3, 4 and 41 all pass through the West of England.

West County Way (Route 3) http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1095669318109

Severn & Thames (4 & 41) http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1095605490000

Report a problem on a cycle path/route

 For cycle path maintenance problems such as poor surfacing,overgrown hedges, potholes and debris on the highway please contact the teams below.

Please try and include as much information as possible to help the council involved to rectify the problem. 

01225 394041      
council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk

North Somerset Council                     

01934 888802   
streetsandopenspaces@n-somerset.gov.uk

South Gloucestershire Council                

01454 868000  
Streetcare@southglos.gov.uk 

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